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2020 Buick Encore GX Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2020 Buick Encore GX Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has 98 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.9/ 10

Based on 98 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

19 19.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 16.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 12.2%

POWER TRAIN

12 12.2%

ENGINE

10 10.2%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 19.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Buick Encore GX

The 2020 Buick Encore GX has 98 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 19% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Buick Encore GX are SERVICE BRAKES (19), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 55 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Buick Encore GX?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2021 Encore GX complaints2022 Encore GX complaints2023 Encore GX complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 24 of 24 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

19 Reports19% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PARKED AT A NEARBY PARKING LOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION TEXT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V588000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN THE PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER ED MORSE SAWGRASS BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 14351 W SUNRISE BLVD, SUNRISE, FL 33323, (888) 377-2660, WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER FOR ASSISTANCE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,251.*DT*JB

10/7/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUMPED SEVERAL TIMES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SCHUMACHER BUICK GMC (3031 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409, (561) 935-4239) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V588000 (SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.*DT *TR

10/27/2020

17 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED SQUEAKING OF BRAKES AND PROBLEMS ECCENTRICALLY WITH WIPERS AND BACK GATE LIGHT OPEN CLOSE LIGHT, REPORTED TO TEXIAN DEALER AND NOTHING WAS DONE, CAR OF COURSE IN MOTION AND MOVING. LATER AFTER COMPLAIN OF PROBLEMS TEXAN DEALER RESPONDED TO DEAF EARS, I TOLD THEM I DID NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING AND NEVER DID. I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER(DEMONTROND BUICK) AND BK CUSTOMER SERVICE LISTENED TO THE ISSUES AND PUT NEW BRAKES IN CAR, IT STILLS SQUEAKS BUT NOT AS MUCH AS BEFORE. CAR WAS WORKED ON BUT AT LEAST THEY TRIED TO FIND AND FIX PROBLEMS. THE WIPERS INTERMITTENT NEVER WORKED AND THEY GOT THEM TO WORK BUT ONLY WIPE AFTER ABOUT 35 TO 55 SECONDS AFTER TURNED ON AND EVEN IN DRIVING, THE LIFT GATE STILL AT TIMES DOES NOT WORK, THE CAR IS A LEMON, VERY DISAPPONTED AND SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO THIS VEHICHLE AND WARN PEOPLE ESP ABOUT THE BRAKES, COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE A CRASH AND BE KILLED.

1/18/2021

THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFTWARE ANAMOLY ACCORDING THE THE DEALER THAT HAS MY SES LIGHT ON AND MY PRE-COLLISION ALTERS SEEM TO NOT BE WORKING SINCE THIS OCCURRED. THE SES LIGHT CAME ON 4/9/21 AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ABOUT 6 PM 4/12/21 AND THE LIGHT WAS ON STILL AND NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE PRE-COLLISION WARNING DID NOT WORK WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT ME OFF AND STOPPED SHORT IN FRONT OF ME. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BUICK WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANOTHER DEALER CONTACT ME TO GET A SECOND OPINION BUT AS OF THIS THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME. THEY EXPECT MT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IGNORE THE LIGHT SO IF SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN I WILL HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS JUST ALWAYS ON. IF GM CANNOT KEEP UP WITH SOFTWARE UPDATES TO KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFE PERHAPS THEY SHOULD NO LONGER BE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS.

4/13/2021

14 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 9/25/2020. RECALL NHTSA# 20V588 ISSUED 9/24/2020. I WAS NOT CONTACTED BY DEALERSHIP WHO SOLD VEHICLE UNTIL 9/29/2020. THERE WAS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON VEHICLE. RECALL STATUS: INCOMPLETE REMEDY NOT YET AVALABLE.

11/21/2020

WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I NOTICED SQUEAKING OF BRAKES AND PROBLEMS ECCENTRICALLY WITH WIPERS AND BACK GATE LIGHT OPEN CLOSE LIGHT, REPORTED TO TEXIAN DEALER AND NOTHING WAS DONE, CAR OF COURSE IN MOTION AND MOVING. LATER AFTER COMPLAIN OF PROBLEMS TEXAN DEALER RESPONDED TO DEAF EARS, I TOLD THEM I DID NOT WANT THIS VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING AND NEVER DID. I WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER(DEMONTROND BUICK) AND BK CUSTOMER SERVICE LISTENED TO THE ISSUES AND PUT NEW BRAKES IN CAR, IT STILLS SQUEAKS BUT NOT AS MUCH AS BEFORE. CAR WAS WORKED ON BUT AT LEAST THEY TRIED TO FIND AND FIX PROBLEMS. THE WIPERS INTERMITTENT NEVER WORKED AND THEY GOT THEM TO WORK BUT ONLY WIPE AFTER ABOUT 35 TO 55 SECONDS AFTER TURNED ON AND EVEN IN DRIVING, THE LIFT GATE STILL AT TIMES DOES NOT WORK, THE CAR IS A LEMON, VERY DISAPPONTED AND SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO THIS VEHICHLE AND WARN PEOPLE ESP ABOUT THE BRAKES, COULD CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE A CRASH AND BE KILLED.

1/18/2021

10 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS NEEDED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY LUNGED FORWARD WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE INTO A PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BELLAVIA CHEVROLET BUICK (199 NJ-17, EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ 07073) THE BRAKES AND TRANSMISSION VALVES WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AFTER RECEIVING APPROVAL FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER FOUND 3 PIECES OF RUBBER INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WHEN IT WAS TAKEN APART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,529.

5/6/2021

I have only had the vehicle for a year. On multiple occasions the vehicle feels like it is slipping gears (more often when the autostop feature is turned on). On multiple occasions the vehicle has stalled out and would not do anything when pressing on gas- didn't even rev, did absolutely nothing. These stall outs happened crossing highways, at stop lights, stop signs, etc. There were no warnings prior to the incidences, though the vehicle did through an engine/transmission code afterwards, the code would go away. The first several attempts of taking it to the dealership (last year) as it is still under warranty- it was not checked. i was simply told it was a "glitch" and it was fine. They did not record in their system that i requested it to be checked either apparently. They only recorded that i brought it in for an oil change. They only checked into it this February after my boyfriend told them what it was doing. They kept it and replaced one part in the transmission. The vehicle continued to have the same issues and threw a code withing the first 5 minutes after picking it up. I took it back in- and they said it was doing the issues because of the code it threw. I told them it was doing it again before it threw the code. They said it simply needed a line vacuumed out, and then gave it back to me. It continued to have the same issues and stalled out again causing me to roll backwards onto the highway-into traffic. I took it back again. They kept it, and then told me they'd be replacing the entire transmission, but it is on backorder. Still no time frame when it will be repaired. They then told me i could have my car back and continue to drive it until the transmission comes in?!? I said no- it isn't safe, I just told you what happened and i could have been hurt or killed. I am not driving it, especially when i have my son to drive around as well! I have been without my car for at least a month now. I am paying for a car that i don't even have/can't drive.

4/21/2022

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

10 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 6:00 PM AS I WAS STARTING ON L75 MY BUICK 2020GX WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES STARTED TO SPEED UP TO A VERY FAST MY BRAKES DID NOT SLOW ME DOWN THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP I WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THE CAR KEPT GOING FASTER NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT THERE WAS ALMOST A CRASH TRYING TO SLOW DOWN

1/23/2021

STARTED HAVING TROUBLE LAST WEEK WITH THE FUEL GAUGE AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND THEY FOUND THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE HARNESS LOCATED BY THE FUEL. COST $850 TO REPAIR WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAD THE CAR BACK TWO DAYS AND WENT TO USE THE CAR AND IT COMPLETELY STOPPED FUNCTIONING ONCE WE PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC. WE LIVE ON A HIGHLY TRACTOR TRAILER TRAVELED ROAD AND HAVING THE CAR JUST STOP WORKING COULD HAVE ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT IF A CAR WAS COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION. MY SON WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND I AM INCREDIBLY UPSET THAT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. WE NEEDED TO CALL THE POLICE AND A TOW TRUCK WITH MY YOUNGEST SON IN THE CAR. RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER INSPECTION TO FIND OF THE SAME HARNESS HAS BEEN CHEWED THROUGH AGAIN. THE HARNESS APPARENTLY IS A SOY BASED PRODUCT. WE ARE BEING TOLD ONCE AGAIN THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND MY BIGGER CONCERN IS HOW THIS IS GOING TO STOP HAPPENING. THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE BUT RATHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. USING A SOY BASED PRODUCT MAYBE CHEAPER TO MANUFACTURE AND BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BUT IT'S GOING TO MAKE THE CAR COMPLETELY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO BE IN. IF THE HARNESS IS GOING TO BE MADE OUT OF A SOY BASED PRODUCT AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING NOW COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOT EXPECTED FOR US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR.

3/17/2021

8 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS DRIVING HOME APPROX 6:00 PM AS I WAS STARTING ON L75 MY BUICK 2020GX WITH LESS THAN 300 MILES STARTED TO SPEED UP TO A VERY FAST MY BRAKES DID NOT SLOW ME DOWN THE CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP I WAS VERY SCARED WHEN THE CAR KEPT GOING FASTER NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT THERE WAS ALMOST A CRASH TRYING TO SLOW DOWN

1/23/2021

2/3/2021 I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER TODAY. SHE WAS DRIVING AND WE WERE APPROACHING A LEFT HAND TURN AT AN INTERSECTION. WE HAD A GREEN LIGHT AND I COULD SEE THAT HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. SHE STARTED THE TURN WITH HER FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND THE STEERING WASN'T RESPONDING. WE HIT A TELEPHONE POLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND HAS LESS THAN 115 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.

2/3/2021

3 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

4 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V588000 (SERVICE BRAKES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL HOWEVER, FAILED TO ENGAGE AS DESIGNED. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. THERE WERE SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO JOYCE BUICK-GMC, INC. (38039 CHESTER RD, AVON, OH 44011, (440) 934-6600) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER, PROGRAM MODULE, BRAKING SYSTEM, AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 752.

11/25/2020

WHILE DRIVING UP TO AN INTERSECTION I APPLIED MY FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. UPON DOING SO THE PEDAL DID NOT MOVE AS IF IT WAS LOCKED IN PLACE. I APPLIED MORE PRESSURE AS I WAS COMING UP TO THE INTERSECTION AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN PLACE AS IF THE CAR WAS OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKES BEING APPLIED. I QUICKLY BEGAN PUMPING THE BRAKES WHICH STARTED TO SLOW ME DOWN BUT NOT BEFORE DRIVING RIGHT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. I PULLED OVER AFTER I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN TO A STOP, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE, WAITED A FEW MINUTES, AND TURNED IT BACK ON. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME BUT IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP.

12/25/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

3 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BUICK ENCORE GX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS AT A STAND STILL AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, CAUSING HER TO SHOOT FORWARD AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A HEAD FRACTURE WHEN SHE WAS IMPACTED AND HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A NEAR HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT VEHICLE'S DRIVER DID SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR UNKNOWN INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER CARLISLE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (1701 US-287 BYP, WAXAHACHIE, TX 75165; (972) 938-8000) AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

11/17/2020

Rear end accident. Distracted driver hit the back of my car at least at 40 mph. No airbags deployed.

10/4/2022

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STARTED HAVING TROUBLE LAST WEEK WITH THE FUEL GAUGE AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND THEY FOUND THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE HARNESS LOCATED BY THE FUEL. COST $850 TO REPAIR WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAD THE CAR BACK TWO DAYS AND WENT TO USE THE CAR AND IT COMPLETELY STOPPED FUNCTIONING ONCE WE PULLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC. WE LIVE ON A HIGHLY TRACTOR TRAILER TRAVELED ROAD AND HAVING THE CAR JUST STOP WORKING COULD HAVE ENDED IN AN ACCIDENT IF A CAR WAS COMING FROM EITHER DIRECTION. MY SON WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND I AM INCREDIBLY UPSET THAT THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. WE NEEDED TO CALL THE POLICE AND A TOW TRUCK WITH MY YOUNGEST SON IN THE CAR. RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER INSPECTION TO FIND OF THE SAME HARNESS HAS BEEN CHEWED THROUGH AGAIN. THE HARNESS APPARENTLY IS A SOY BASED PRODUCT. WE ARE BEING TOLD ONCE AGAIN THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND MY BIGGER CONCERN IS HOW THIS IS GOING TO STOP HAPPENING. THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE BUT RATHER A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. USING A SOY BASED PRODUCT MAYBE CHEAPER TO MANUFACTURE AND BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BUT IT'S GOING TO MAKE THE CAR COMPLETELY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY TO BE IN. IF THE HARNESS IS GOING TO BE MADE OUT OF A SOY BASED PRODUCT AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING NOW COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOT EXPECTED FOR US TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR.

3/17/2021

CAR HAS LESS THAN 30 (THIRTY) MILES ON IT; GARAGED SINCE PURCHASE BC OF PANDEMIC; STARTED OCCASIONALLY; BATTERY DEAD WHEN I TRIED TO GO OUT LAST WEEK; CHARGED BATTERY; DIED AGAIN; CHARGED AGAIN; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALERTED ONSTAR, WHO SENT EMAIL STATING PROBLEMS W/ENGINE & TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, POSSIBLE ISSUES W/FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, EMISSIONS CONTROL, MISFIRE CONDITION... ONLY 30 MILES! NEW CAR! JUST DROVE HOME FROM DEALERSHIP AND PARKED IT. TRIED CHATTING W/BUICK CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, BUT THEY CUT ME OFF 3 TIMES OVER 2 HOURS, SO I GAVE UP THAT EXERCISE IN FUTILITY. DEALERSHIP IS UNPLEASANT; TRYING A DIFFERENT DEALER. GOOGLED RECALLS. THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM RECALL ON THE 2021 ENCORE GX, BUT MINE IS A 2020. WHY WOULD A BRAND NEW, $38,000-CAR BE SO FRIGHTENINGLY UNRELIABLE? I TRADED IN TWO CARS AND SAVED MANY YEARS TO BUY THIS. I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE IT IN FOR SERVICE. MY DAD WAS A PATENTED ENGINEER. I MISS MY DAD.

5/10/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFTWARE ANAMOLY ACCORDING THE THE DEALER THAT HAS MY SES LIGHT ON AND MY PRE-COLLISION ALTERS SEEM TO NOT BE WORKING SINCE THIS OCCURRED. THE SES LIGHT CAME ON 4/9/21 AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ABOUT 6 PM 4/12/21 AND THE LIGHT WAS ON STILL AND NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE PRE-COLLISION WARNING DID NOT WORK WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT ME OFF AND STOPPED SHORT IN FRONT OF ME. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BUICK WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANOTHER DEALER CONTACT ME TO GET A SECOND OPINION BUT AS OF THIS THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME. THEY EXPECT MT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IGNORE THE LIGHT SO IF SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN I WILL HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING BECAUSE THE LIGHT IS JUST ALWAYS ON. IF GM CANNOT KEEP UP WITH SOFTWARE UPDATES TO KEEP THEIR CUSTOMERS SAFE PERHAPS THEY SHOULD NO LONGER BE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS.

4/13/2021

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Dealership, fixed brakes due to previous recall. Brakes continue to squeal and grind with every stop. Was informed by dealership that they can do no further repair because it is considered a noise and not a safety issue. Grinding brakes are a safety issue!!!

11/29/2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I live in Oklahoma so it’s hot then cold then hot again then colder the next morning. I had my defroster on while on my way to work and all of a sudden my window just cracks and spreads all across my window. I didn’t have a chip at all and there wasn’t even a vehicle in front of me. Idk if it was because it was real cold and had the defroster on but this still shouldn’t have happened. And they want me to pay almost $1000 to change it out because you also have to get the cameras readjusted correctly. GM should pay for this. It absolutely wasn’t my fault.

2/22/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

While driving this 2020 Buick Encore GX with around 7,000 miles on the odometer, the entire electrical/electronic system shut down. Windows were inoperative, the AC stopped, the radio failed, the flashers did not work, etc. The only things that worked were the engine and brakes. I have no idea if the brake lights worked. I was able to drive the car to the dealership - Van Buick GMC in Scottsdale, Arizona where the car is now sitting and awaiting their inspection. In the 95 degree temperature here in AZ, I thought that I would die as I could not open the doors. I have since learned that I could have opened the doors by pulling the door handle twice. No one ever educated me on this. There were no advance warnings prior to the failure. This car is a death trap. Please NHTSA help me.

4/8/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact’s fiancé owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle was unable to stop while the brake pedal was depressed and the parking brake was activated. Additionally, the vehicle made grinding sounds while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer reprogrammed the brake system; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,600.

7/7/2022

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his mother-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while his mother-in-law was driving, the vehicle started sputtering, overheating, and lost motive power. The vehicle remained at the location. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

11/9/2022

SEAT BELTS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

We have two infants in car seats. The car does not have the car seat LATCH system in it. The instructions were followed in the cars manual for placement but none were found. There are indications on the seat where you should place the latch buckle but the latch welded hooks are not there. I took the vehicle to the dealership Buick Gee in Liberty Lake WA where it is leased and was also told there by the service manager and the sales team that there are no latch hooks to be found in this car for the car seat to attach to. They agreed that there should be some there and could be a mistake at the factory. The dealer manager also came out to verify the latch system was not in vehicle. He also went to look at the other vehicles of the same year make and model, all of which did not have the welded hooks in the car for the car seat latch system. When I worked at the fire department I thought this system was mandatory in all vehicles manufactured and sold in the USA after the 90’s. Thank you for looking into this production safety issue [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

3/13/2023

SEATS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

We have two infants in car seats. The car does not have the car seat LATCH system in it. The instructions were followed in the cars manual for placement but none were found. There are indications on the seat where you should place the latch buckle but the latch welded hooks are not there. I took the vehicle to the dealership Buick Gee in Liberty Lake WA where it is leased and was also told there by the service manager and the sales team that there are no latch hooks to be found in this car for the car seat to attach to. They agreed that there should be some there and could be a mistake at the factory. The dealer manager also came out to verify the latch system was not in vehicle. He also went to look at the other vehicles of the same year make and model, all of which did not have the welded hooks in the car for the car seat latch system. When I worked at the fire department I thought this system was mandatory in all vehicles manufactured and sold in the USA after the 90’s. Thank you for looking into this production safety issue [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

3/13/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate immediately and stalled. Additionally, the EPC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

3/23/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Since the repair, the original claim no. 11619901. the checked off stuff no longer works. This lapse has occurred around sep. 20 to present day

10/19/2024

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Since the repair, the original claim no. 11619901. the checked off stuff no longer works. This lapse has occurred around sep. 20 to present day

10/19/2024

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I purchased a car from Carvana , a few days later the airbag light came on , I was instructed by Carvana to call the warranty place and let them no there was a problem. They instructed me to go to Levanders body shop in GrandIsland Ne . The body shop ran a diagnostic and could not find why the light was going off so they removed the passenger knee panel to which they found the wires were taped and the airbags and wire harness were missing , they decided to further check and found ALL the airbags in the car were missing and so were the wire harnesses.This obviously was not stated in the purchase of the car. Had that light not came on I still would not know. I drove it for a week with my child in the car thankgoodness i didnt get an a accident . i have pictures but it wont allow me to upload for some reason

1/28/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse on several occasions, the brake was depressed and there was an abnormal foghorn sound coming from the driver’s side rear wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the residence where the rear driver’s side wheel was removed. The caliper was removed, and the contact became aware that piston inside the caliper had fractured in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

5/13/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake with abnormal sounds coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 51,220.

10/22/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2020 Buick Encore GX (VIN: [XXX] ) related to the “Shift to Park” defect, which is documented in GM’s Technical Service Bulletin 23-NA-119. My vehicle intermittently fails to recognize when it is in park, preventing me from turning off the engine and causing safety and usability concerns. Despite following GM’s recommended steps and scheduling an appointment through Buick Customer Care, I was charged $195 for a diagnostic fee and quoted $495 to replace the shifter assembly. The dealership confirmed the issue matched the bulletin, yet refused to offer goodwill coverage or reimbursement. This expense is a significant hardship. I am still making payments on this vehicle, which is barely five years old. I previously owned a Honda for 20 years without encountering issues like this. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I’ve faced a manufacturer-documented defect with no support. My previous vehicle, a Mitsubishi Outlander, suffered from a known transmission issue that was later part of a class action lawsuit. Despite experiencing the same symptoms, my VIN was excluded. The cost of repair outweighed the value of the vehicle, and I ultimately had to walk away from it as a total loss—leaving me without a car. I am deeply disappointed to now face a similar situation with Buick. I chose this vehicle expecting reliability and support, and I’ve done everything asked of me to address this issue responsibly. I believe GM should be held accountable for this known defect and the financial burden it places on consumers. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10/25/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Buick Encore GX?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Buick Encore GX is SERVICE BRAKES, with 19 owner reports. That is about 19% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2020 Buick Encore GX a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 55 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Buick Encore GX?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Buick Encore GX severe?

55 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Buick Encore GX: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
98
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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